Patriots Named Prime 'Landing Spot' For Cowboys Ex Ezekiel Elliott
If revenge is a dish best served cold, there are few better places in the NFL to stage it than the New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium.
That's what one NFL analyst indirectly suggests, naming New England as one of the "best landing spots" for former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. The two-time NFL rushing leader lingers on the free agency ledgers after his split from Arlington in March.
"Bill Belichick loves using multiple running backs, his history speaks for itself," writes Sportsnaut.. "While Rhamondre Stevenson is poised to be the focal point of the New England Patriots' rushing attack next season, everyone should know by now that others will be involved.
"While New England signed James Robinson, he hasn’t looked the same since returning from a torn Achilles. Elliott could be another role player in the Patriots’ offense, giving Belichick what he wants and keeping Stevenson fresh."
Elliott has reportedly sought a chance to see the Cowboys again and the Patriots would provide an immediate opportunity: New England is set to visit AT&T Stadium at some point this season, with the date set to be revealed when the NFL releases its 2023-24 schedule later this week.
Stevenson was indeed the Patriots' premier back last season, though he split time with the Buffalo-bound Damien Harris, especially in the early portions of the year. The duo each had at least 100 touches in both of the last two seasons. With Harris gone, Robinson comes over from the New York Jets and joins fellow veteran newcomer Ty Montgomery as well as 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris.
While Elliott's release was partly brought about by the worst statistical season in his seventh year (as well as undesirable financials), he still had a knack for the end zone, scoring on 12 occasions last year. His prowess in the red zone could certainly help the Patriots improve on their red zone fortunes, as their touchdown percentage of 42.2 ranked dead-last in the NFL last season.
Joining the Patriots on Robinson's list were his old employers in Dallas, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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